Amnesty urges probe into Minna stampede that killed three

Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to investigate the deaths of three people in a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna, saying the incident highlights the worsening economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.

The stampede occurred on Tuesday after a crowd gathered at the Government House amid reports that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago would distribute cash to residents.

At least three women died, while several others were injured. Local reports identified two of the deceased as internally displaced persons from Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area.

Two critically injured victims were referred from Minna General Hospital to the IBB Specialist Hospital for further treatment.

Amnesty said the circumstances surrounding the deaths were particularly disturbing because some of those affected had already been displaced by insecurity.

The organisation said the incident was another indication of the level of economic hardship and food insecurity affecting vulnerable Nigerians.

“It is shocking that among the dead are families displaced by insecurity,” Amnesty said.

The rights group also recalled a series of deadly stampedes during food and relief-material distributions in December 2024.

At least 65 people died in stampedes recorded in Abuja, Anambra and Oyo within a few days, according to reports at the time.

Amnesty said the repeated incidents were “chilling reminders” of the consequences of the economic crisis, arguing that many families were increasingly struggling to afford basic necessities.

“These are chilling reminders that the current economic crisis has exacerbated the level of food insecurity amongst majority of the population living in poverty,” the organisation said.

It added that many households were increasingly unable to meet the cost of food, healthcare and education.

Amnesty urged the Nigerian authorities to take more concrete steps to address economic hardship and rising poverty, saying people should be able to live in dignity.

The Niger State Government said it would issue an official statement on the Minna incident, while the police said they were verifying reports about the deaths.